Tag: Raiders

You love bands when they’re playing hard / You want more and you want it fast – David Bowie, RIP

I believe I’m one who will take the good times with the bad times. One of those ride or die women. Then I attended a Raiders game.

They were playing the Jets. Of course I had to be there. I wore my Jets had proudly walking in. They were there to play. I was there to support. It was only proper. It’s a semi-gangster moment to say I walked into the coli wearing my Jets hat with no shame.

Okay you caught me… my hat is black… and I was in black / gray attire, so you can tell I know how to handle myself when presented with a situation like this. My friends, who are fans and non-fans, counseled me to dress like them. Blend in. Don’t let them see who you’re really cheering for.

After placing my head in my hands many times, and viewing the game through my fingers, at the disaster that played out before me (which is the usual for us fans of Gang Green), I decided to change my POV.

I’m a my-whiskey-glass-is-half-full kind of woman.

First, the view from my seat felt like the field was right below me. Not 100 yards away like at MetLife. I was enjoying the club level, much like I also do back in NYC. I felt like I was actually watching the game at the stadium, not on my TV.

Second, after a few teasing words from the gents around me, they realized I could speak the ball of foot language, had massive respect for the great Bo Jackson (my all-time fave player), Howie Long, Coach Madden and one amazing woman, Amy Trask, they offered to buy me a few drinks. We sat back to watch their enjoyment, and my sadness.

I began to really like Raider Nation. Raider Nation embraced me. By the end of the game I was infatuated.

I decided to ask those around me how much their seats are. When they told me I first had to erase my look of shock and instant response, ‘pro season tickets less than USC football?!’ then I said, ‘okay and for your PSL?’ They looked at me like I was saying a naughty word, or hinting at a new STD.

‘PSL? We don’t have PSLs here.’ I was loving this place and team even more.

The next day I called their ticket office. I wanted a piece of the Coliseum. Unfortunately they didn’t have a place for me in 213… but months later they did in 214.

This is how the Raiders became the object of my affection last season dear hearts.

Raiders love is some love. As I took it all in, which felt more like a college game vs pro, and the community around me, add that view I had from section 213 I thought ‘THIS is one of the best NFL stadiums I have ever sat in.’

I’ve visited eight others. The femme football tour will continue this season. It’s not stopping until I’m six feet under.

Being a Raider means you’re a rebel. You’re not like the rest. You standup for injustice. You stand for what you believe in. You found those who get you, and you’re family. Once a Raider, always a Raider.

Dear hearts I have so much to share with you, my fingers are shaking with excitement!

Are you ready for this weekend? SB LI is Sunday if you didn’t know. Yes the Patty Pats will be playing, along with their fearless leader, Hoodie Billy B.

Kind reminder to refrain from doing this during the game … He’s their fearless owner

Be like this guy…. He’s lit and over 70 years old. Not quite the dirty bird, close enough.

He’s also the Falcons owner in his spare time, since retiring from building the store you likely spend your Saturday improving your home at.

Personally, I’d rather sit sixth row, wearing in my fur, channeling my inner Joe Namath at Met Life Stadium, while watching the heartbreaking Jets play, in front of me when I’m over 70. I’m optimistic over the next four decades…

Who will win this lovely game? Watching the Pats lose a SB again is a nice little thrill. I prefer when Tommy Boy is upset. It’s not that easy to predict, and this game could be one of the best SB match ups to date.

Let me guide you through a few points:

Pattie Pats Pros

Experience – been here, done this before with 4 trophies

Brady – arguably, sigh- one of the greatest QB’s of all-time will be starting

Possibilities -Belichick +DC Patricia +OC McDaniels can draw up plays and game plans that make opponents have nightmares

Negatives

Gronky – that tight end is out and he played a critical role

Overconfidence – they may want to throw it to the birds, and that wouldn’t be smart with this Hot-lanta team

Falcons Pros

Offense – Fast + versatile with QB Ryan and primary target, J. Jones

O-line – Solid protection to operate the show behind them

Defense – A force and one who can fly into Brady

HC Quinn – the new coach pumped more than a little life into the team this season

My prediction is a low-scoring affair, heavy on the D. That’s where both teams will need to focus since both offenses are potent.

If you are a pro-only type of football fan, the worst time of the year has possibly begun.

Unless you’re like me, who enjoys pro-style and college.

Over the last 7-10 days, snaps, tweets and and many videos of recruits announcing to us silly fans, which school they will be signing off all their rights to as student athletes, tomorrow.

The days of the hat swap in a high school gym, or an idea taken from The Decision have vanished. It’s okay dear heart to get a little excited. Now take a breath, and realize 2 -3 gents actually work out. It’s like picking a stock netting you a 35% gain. There’s not a science to it. Luck plays a heavy hand.

Oh no… We’re witnessing another stadium finance disaster. How do you catch a billionaire? Or a millionaire trying to become a billionaire. Offer him several hundreds of millions in cash for a new stadium. Giggle if you didn’t see this coming…

These little snags happen. Ronnie Lott is running in to save the day, just like he used to when he played for the 49er’s. That’s domination in more than one way. Oh, San Diego is now also giving an offer… the residents will love that.

A little topic is receiving a lot of fingering and tweet-service via Twitter today: young writers, unpaid internships and going after what you want. Let me share with you a little secret:

PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE DEAR HEARTS

I’m a believer in a little tough love. We know deep inside it’s the best kind.

Iwanted to work for my college’s football team. I wanted to be in charge of decisions and be respected. I didn’t know what role that would be in college. I knew the position I wanted to hold for pro team. Amy Trask, former Raiders CEO held a beacon of light, that if she could do it, I could do it too.

I began working as an intern for my mentor, Mr Hendrix and no is first name is not Jimi, in the athletics department. He was a former four-year starting point guard for our alma mater, leading our team to the Sweet 16 decades ago. At 5’10” he was not built to play in the NBA. He instead played six seasons as a corner in the NFL. He never played a down of football outside of high school. As he told me once, he didn’t like the feeling of being hit. One of those teams he played for, the Dallas Cowboys during their prime.

When I walked into his office I had no clue who he is. The accomplishments he displayed, his two degrees prominently placed on top of a cabinet and several photos of his family surround his desk. Modesty is a virtue.

He gave me good advice, and the realities of playing in the NFL.

See, I was raised in a house where football wasn’t turned on every Saturday or Sunday. No my father wasn’t an armchair QB. I had to pull a QB sneak to peek at games.

Football is revered in my small-town community. A national football power at the time, was only 45 minutes away. Football brought people in my community together. The game fascinated me, and so my obsession began.

While interning unpaid for Mr Hendrix, I worked 1-2 additional jobs to pay my rent and expenses. I was a first generation college grad. A small-town girl who was feeling her away around a system that was savage. Read: it wasn’t easy.

Beverly Hillbilly’s exist. I’m living proof.

I was promoted to work for my college football team, as the Assistant Director of Football Operations for 4 seasons following my internship. I was paid, but if I told you what it was, you would think I was crazy to do what I did, for as long as I did. Most days I loved it, some days I didn’t. That’s life dear hearts.

I didn’t know it then, my last day working in football was NLI signing day February 3, 2010. I would work even harder to gain a similar position at USC. After years of making connections, and acceptance into the Marshall School of Business to pursue my MBA, I was told during my interview I was overqualified.

That’s what happens when you chase other dreams, like joining a tech startup that IPO’d. Another story for anther day…

Realize all you have is yourself. Know your worth and be willing prove it. Go. Hard.

Oh the weather outside is frightfulBut the fire is so delightfulAnd since we’ve no place to goLet it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Last post, I brought up the Redskins playing risk with their potential playoff situation, who made my naughty list, including the BS bowl games that are not worth yours or my precious time. Also the intense criticism against Christian McCaffery and Leonard Fournette’s decisions to not play in their BS games, and prep for the NFL.

A few posts ago I mentioned the NY Giants looked like a paper tiger, and to not allow their record fool you. Dear hearts, TNF made me look like a football genius.

Let me tell you a little story, a few years ago after the niners lost in the super bowl, my friend’s son, had one of the most epic meltdowns my little eyes have ever witnessed. In one motion he threw down his niners hat, while melting onto his knees. Tears streamed down his cheeks. He screamed “noooooo”.

I’ll admit, I was very uncomfortable. Last Thursday that uncomfortable feeling came back, watching OBJ at night.

The world came crashing down for the Raiders, Titans and Seahawks. Each saw their respective team aces break things and require season-ending surgeries. I’m guessing that’s not what they wanted for Christmas, Hanukkah or the New Year.

Raiders HC Del Rio was the star in the most somber press conference after a win. The nightmare isn’t over. While it’s never a great time to lose your leader, this was really poor timing football gods. Playoff-worthy, must-win games versus the Chiefs + the Broncos are set over the next two weeks for the Raiders. Brace yourself Raider Nation, it could be happiness or disaster.

Next came the Chiefs putting the axe down on the Donkeys. Oh, you didn’t know I loathe the Broncos? Now you do, and that’s for Boise State too.

The Chiefs are the Chief team to watch in the NFL right now, besides the Cowboys, in my little opinion. I’m not saying this since each have premiere tight ends, solid o-lines, and lockdown DBs. Well, maybe that’s why they should be watched for your viewing pleasure.

Speaking of the Cowboys, Monday night was a little delight. The first 30 minutes provided the best chess match up on turf all week. Then the roaring stopped in the second half, and the game moved into boring status. I saw one person on the Lions D, zig and zagging, his name is Ziggy Ansah after all, and was the only defender attempting to wrap up Dak, Zeke, and Dez. At least the Dallas D finally made their appearance.

Pass protection of Dak is awe-inspiring. Really, O-line coaches should be making an o-face happy face, and asking how can I do that, watching what Dallas has done.

You may have noticed I didn’t mention anything college football-related. Good catch, Friday I will preview my little thoughts and opinions around the start of the Playoff, also the Orange and Rose Bowls. All will be stunning for yours and my little eyes to see.

My affair with whiskey was enhanced in Park City. There’s a nice little ski-in / out distillery I had the pleasure of savoring, before jetting back to reality. Who says you can’t drink in Utah?

Last post I caught us up to date on the Playoff picture, that the Jets loss on MNF was my nightmare before Christmas, and I would love a new team as my holiday prezzy. I was also very much looking forward to the game of the year on TNF, the Raiders and Chiefs.

By the powers of the NFL + Twitter, Thursday night meant I could have my nails done, while watching the object of my desire, the Oakland Raiders on my little phone. Technology I cannot live without you.

The Chiefs D made Carr, and all his receiving weapons look like each of them were missing their abilities. I was so impressed. I’m also guilty of not looking much in Travis Kelce’s way, the Chiefs chief TE, so I decided to look up his stats. Google informed me Catching Kelce was not something I was not only yelling telling the Raiders D, but a show on E!

Want to know how much of a reality TV femme I am? Hint, it’s next to none.

Football, yes. The Bachelor, no.

In the near future I’ll post what I like to answer anyone who asks, what’s my favorite position… tight end. They are quite nice, and need to be used more, which lucky for me, have been used in several offenses across the league this season.

It’s always a little dull on Saturdays when the college football season has said bye, I’m leaving for another year.

We’ve heard the saying, torch your past bridges to light the one in front of you. Lane has done that with perfection… straight to FAU .

It wasn’t enough to be the youngest coach in the NFL coaching the Raiders, and later being called a liar by the owner Al Davis. Lane wasn’t scared, so he was off to charm Tennessee in the SEC. Once that wasn’t working, he chose to leave that one for a more pretty one, named USC. Surprise, surprise that didn’t work out either, as he was left on the tarmac on the plane ride home, without his things, when the pretty one said, this is done.

This is not a recap of your friend’s or my friend’s relations-it. This is the fabulous life of Lame Kiffin. This is the kind of reality TV I enjoy dear hearts.

This is a man who after winning a game, when being asked by the media, acts as though he just arrived in America, and doesn’t quite understand how to speak the english language into a camera. Simply, Borat would give a better post game interview.

Dear Lane, let’s have a little heart to heart and let me make a few points:

a). we’re all done with Saban

b) you have Coach O’s cell number

c) you’re meant to be a OC at most

d) you’re not HC materiaL

e) Baton Rouge is full of many pretty southern belle’s… who adore football

f) you’re single now

g) you’re not winning

h In Baton Rouge you would win!

The alphabet is tired , and so am I, and I didn’t run out of more reasons to give…

With these points dear Lane, tell the Owls you’re deeply sorry. You drunk dialed the athletic director, and oops said yes to something you really shouldn’t have. Say thank you, but no thank you. Then hang up and call Coach O. Do it now.

This kitty may need a cat nap after all of that and it’s only Tuesday. Never mind, let’s keep the good times rolling.

Dear Washington HC Peterson you may want to call this guy. He won by two touchdowns in his Bowl Game against your next opponent. Okay it was 2009 and Bama may not have been as loaded as they are now, but my little point is, he and his staff beat the Sabonator. And if you don’t have Sack Lake City on speed dial, may I suggest you do it now. We’re all counting on you to disrupt the path of the Boring Bama dynasty.

Oh the Jets…they won in overtime. (silence) Now, when can I see the GM board the plane and leave everyone on the tarmac to fulfill my Christmas wish? Don’t call me a grinch. This is the intervention us Jets fans need.

Sunday night gave us a glimpse into what may lie ahead for the NFC with the Giants / Cowboys matchup. Although the Cowboys lost, I’ve been impressed every time I watch a little Dak. He takes control, and he can’t do that without solid protection. Control? Protection? I want more… I’m talking about a nice QB and a solid O-line of course.

The Playoff Chamber has spoken. The selections have been made. Oh dear, your team wasn’t chosen? Neither was mine. It’s simple, get better at football, win and be willing to play a solid out of conference schedule.

As for the playoff I like to think in terms of what I like, quality. I’m also guilty of enjoying a hot, fabulous mess. Who doesn’t? Realize, hot messes are reserved for the season. They’re fun and quickly forgotten. Remember Iowa last year? Their QB was Beathard (literally) You want that again?

Uh huh honey, sure you do…

When trophies are involved, keep it classy and save the best for last.

To know what it’s like to love somebody the way I love youTo know how it feels to kill yourself with bad habitsTo know what you want, know you’ll never truly have itNew York City, please go easy on me tonight

The Chainsmokers

Dear hearts, I’m about to lose it and a chipped nail or broken heel is not to blame.

Ironic I had to be in NYC to watch the fifth Jets loss. I was so excited to watch at a little local Jets spot in the upper east side, and by the end of the first quarter, I felt it was best for my bank account and health to walk away.

As I’m jetting back to LA, sitting here in my seat seething, thoughts of a bad relationship pass through my mind.

When is this going to end? Why should I stay devoted? Is it time to walk away?

I dear heart cannot blame you if you do not watch any more. Time is precious, why waste it on a team so incapable, lying in the middle of the field would be more effective, than what the defense didn’t do to stop David Johnson last night.

Let’s be honest, that would be a incredible circus defense play, no questions asked.

See, I can still tease when I’m down.

I’ve defended Coach Bowles. I thought he was The Guy. The front office made pre-season moves intended to put this team ahead, acquiring Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte, but we recognize those names, since were previously sexy. They’re no longer stunners, even with how Marshall has played. Now, he’s the entire receiver’s corps, since Decker is about to have hip & shoulder replacement surgery. Let that sink in for a moment…

I must take a stand and state, Geno Smith is NOT the answer. Wearing his perma-scowl and i’m-better-than-everybody panache, that’s not a face of the future. Petty or Hackenberg, get those gents reps. Coach Bowles, you’re already at the end of the line, just do it. You have nothing to lose at this point. If being let go is highly likely, make mistakes and make them big. Put your -ahem- on the table and make it happen.

I’m not someone who gives in or up easily. But dear Jets, you are pushing me to the limit of embracing outer darkness, otherwise known as the Raiders. That Carr has an arm, and they are great to watch this season. Plus I don’t have to travel so far to visit.

Even in these depths of despair, my dream continues to flicker, of proudly dawning my fur coat while sitting in my seats, six rows above the field at Metlife. A girl can dream…